2012-08-12 Saltspring Camping

I’m not sure if this was the first bikepacking trip I did, but it was certainly one of the earliest examples. I had bought a Salsa Vaya the year before, and had completed the Ride to Conquer Cancer from Vancouver to Seattle on it about two months prior. I had transitioned from primarily riding fixies and mountain bikes to taking a sudden and unexpected interest in touring bikes.

At this time my partner Aimée and I had a sheltie, Esme, who was about 11 years old at this time. Since Aimée was much less into riding hills and longer distances than I, I carried much of our gear as well as the dog trailer. My setup was therefore quite the truckload.